Animal Ordinances in Spokane, WA (2026)
16 verified animal ordinances for Spokane, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Spokane permits up to 1 chicken per 2000 sq ft of lot area (typically 3-6 hens on standard lots) under SMC 17C.310. Roosters are prohibited. Coops must be set back from property lines.
Animals: Chickens Backyard
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Spokane requires all dogs to be leashed in public under SMC 10.04.020. Designated off-leash areas include High Bridge Dog Park, SE Sports Complex, and portions of Downriver. SpokAnimal enforces violations.
Animals: Dog Leash Laws
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Spokane has no breed-specific legislation (BSL). The city uses behavior-based dangerous dog designation under SMC 10.04.030, consistent with RCW 16.08. Pit bulls and other breeds are legal.
Animals: Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Spokane allows residential beekeeping under SMC 17C.310 with registration through the Washington State Department of Agriculture. Hives must be set back from property lines; up to 4 hives typical on standard residential lots.
Animals: Beekeeping
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Spokane prohibits dangerous exotic animals under SMC 10.04 consistent with RCW 16.30. Large cats, bears, wolves, non-human primates, venomous reptiles, and crocodilians are banned. Common small exotics are allowed.
Animals: Exotic Pets
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Spokane prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife that creates a nuisance or attracts predators under SMC 10.04. Feeding deer, raccoons, and coyotes is specifically discouraged; bird feeders and squirrel feeding are generally allowed.
Animals: Wildlife Feeding
Some RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
Spokane addresses animal hoarding through SMC Chapter 6 cruelty and care provisions plus Washington State cruelty statutes, with SCRAPS officers authorized to investigate, seize animals, and refer cases for criminal charges.
Animal Hoarding And Cruelty Enforcement By SCRAPS
Heavy RestrictionsPet Limits
Spokane allows up to 3 dogs and 6 cats per household under SMC 10.04.020 without a kennel license. Additional animals require a hobby kennel or commercial kennel permit.
Animals: Pet Limits
Some RestrictionsCat Rules
Spokane requires cats over six months old to be licensed through SCRAPS and prohibits cats from running at-large in a manner that creates a nuisance under SMC Chapter 6.
Spokane Cat Licensing And At-Large Rules
Some RestrictionsMandatory Spay/Neuter
Spokane and SCRAPS use license fee discounts rather than mandatory spay-neuter to encourage altering, charging substantially lower annual rates for spayed or neutered dogs and cats compared to intact animals.
Reduced License Fees For Altered Pets In Spokane
Few RestrictionsMicrochipping
Spokane does not mandate microchipping, but SCRAPS strongly encourages it and links chip numbers with the SCRAPS license database so that lost pets can be returned without an impound visit.
Microchip Recommendations And License-Tag Pairing
Few RestrictionsCoyote Management
Coyote management in Spokane is led by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife under RCW 77.36, with the City coordinating reporting and hazing education while prohibiting unauthorized firearm discharge in city limits.
Coyote Encounters And Hazing Guidance In Spokane
Few RestrictionsPet Store Rules
Spokane regulates commercial pet sales through SMC Chapter 6 dealer and kennel licensing administered by SCRAPS, with state Department of Agriculture rules layered on top for retail pet stores selling dogs, cats, and rabbits.
Pet Store Sales And SCRAPS Dealer Oversight
Some RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic Zoning
Veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and boarding kennels in Spokane are sited through SMC Title 17C land use standards, allowed in commercial and some mixed-use zones with conditions on overnight boarding and outdoor runs.
Veterinary Clinic Zoning Under Spokane Land Use Code
Some RestrictionsBird Protection
Most wild birds in Spokane are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Washington state law RCW 77.15, with WDFW and federal authorities, not the City, leading enforcement against killing, harassment, or nest destruction.
Migratory Bird And Raptor Protections In Spokane
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Rescue Permits
Only WDFW-permitted rehabilitators may legally hold and treat injured wildlife in Spokane, and possession of native wildlife by unpermitted residents is prohibited under RCW 77.15 and Washington Administrative Code 220-450.
Wildlife Rehabilitator Permits In Spokane Region
Some RestrictionsLooking for Spokane County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Spokane city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Spokane County →